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Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Police IG orders police to disarm members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has ordered senior officers in the South-East and the South-South geopolitical zones to immediately disarm members of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

The IG said this in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, while reacting to the killing of policemen by some pro-Biafran activists on Monday.

The statement read, “Following the manifestation of the disposition of the armed Indigenous People of Biafra activists to undertake premeditated attacks on Police officers engaged in operations aimed at restoring public order in states in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zone of the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase has directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in the affected area to disarm members of the group operating firearms immediately.”

“The IGP noted that the targeted attacks on Police personnel, who have been performing their statutory functions in the most professional and civil manner since the latest resurgence of disorder, portrays the IPOB activists who are orchestrating the insurrection as having crossed the threshold in their misguided attempt to test the common will of the nation.”

Arase, who condemned the killing by members of IPOB, ordered the arrest and trial of members of the group found in possession of firearm. The IGP also said IPOB activists arrested in connection with the killing of the policemen should be charged to court for murder.

He assured Nigerians that the Police would continue to diligently to maintain law and order and ensure their safety.